Connect
Comment receiving replies
I was only using a terminology that many of us use to describe this category of meds. Sorry that I wasn't being specific. But I think you get the idea; there isn't much done to check any level of its effectiveness. Why 5 mg twice a day? Why not 2.5 or 10 mg? It is a huge money maker for the drug companies and it is taken by millions who are prescribed this drug and never get off.
Replies to "I was only using a terminology that many of us use to describe this category of..."
It has to do with the 'bioavailability' of the drug at any one time, like when you could use its intended effects during or after a tachyarrhythmia like AF. The half-life of apixaban, with some variance between individuals, is approximately 12 hours. So, after the first 12 hours, about 50% of the active drug remains unmetabolized by your liver and is circulating and able to perform its function of delaying clotting. But you need a certain amount of it to be effective, and that is why your next dose comes at the 12 hour mark. When you take the second pill, you have full protection within about 45 minutes. This strategy provides the maximum benefit. The lesser dose you are inquiring about is insufficient for the blood volume of the typical adult with AF.
Connect
I was told it is dosed in part by patient’s weight. And dosage changed if there are adverse side effects from current dose like excessive and/or frequent nose bleeds.